This Shingon-sect temple was founded in the 8th century. Climb the many steps past a garden of massive boulders to the hondō (main hall), famed as the place where Lady Murasaki wrote The Tale of Genji. Continue exploring on trails winding further uphill through a lovely forest, including the one that leads up to Tsukimitei hall, for great views over Biwa-ko.
The temple is a 10-minute walk from Keihan Ishiyama-dera Station (continue along the road in the direction that the train was travelling). From Kyoto, take the JR Tōkaidō line from JR Kyoto Station to JR Ishiyama Station (kaisoku or futsū trains only, ¥240, 13 minutes) and switch to the Keihan line for the short journey to Ishiyama-dera Station (¥160). Alternatively, take the subway Tōzai line to Keihan Hama-Ōtsu and transfer to an Ishiyama-dera-bound train (from Sanjo Station: ¥560, 42 minutes including transit time).
